Bike Comments: 2002 Kawa Concours zg1000

[playitforward]

Hi All,

I have been looking at FJR's for a while. With the economy the way it is, think they are not an option for me right now. However, just came across a 2002 Concours ZG 1000 sport touring that might fit my budget. Well maintained, with some nice mods. This would be my first sport bike. Really want something that is good "two up". Any one have experience with this bike, and any useful thoughts around mechanical/design safety, reliability, comfort and fun factor etc. Appreciate comments.

 

[Ignacio]

This would be my first sport bike.

I wouldn't call it that.

Where the FJR is like a Corvette...the Connie is a 90's vintage Cavalier.

 

[thewoodman]

Hi All,
I have been looking at FJR's for a while. With the economy the way it is, think they are not an option for me right now. However, just came across a 2002 Concours ZG 1000 sport touring that might fit my budget. Well maintained, with some nice mods. This would be my first sport bike. Really want something that is good "two up". Any one have experience with this bike, and any useful thoughts around mechanical/design safety, reliability, comfort and fun factor etc. Appreciate comments.

As a current 2006 Concours owner (FJR in the plans for 09) I would suggest checking COG as well as COG-Online

Everything you ever want to know about the Concours.

 

[vectervp1]

This would be my first sport bike.

I wouldn't call it that.

Where the FJR is like a Corvette...the Connie is a 90's vintage Cavalier.

No offense Iggi, but I wouldn't even go that far.

Connie = 90's Cavalier

FJR = Caddy XLR Sporty yes, comfy you bet. Sports car, nope.

Sportbike = Corvette, Porshe, etc...

While the FJR is sporty, its still no sportbike. Sure a competent rider on an FJR can smoke the hell out of a novice on a sportbike, but a competent rider on a sportbike will make the FJR look like a scooter. Its all a matter of perspective.

Back to what your question is, the Connie may be a good economical 2up bike. If this is the sportiest bike you've ever ridden then you may do fine. By not knowing how much better a 'modern' sport touring bike is, you may be very happy with what you have.

Have you considered looking at an 03 FJR? I don't know what your price range is, but perhaps finding a good used 03 may be a good deal for you too. Don't forget about looking at the ST1100 and the ST1300's either.

 

[FJRay]

I had a connie before the FJR and while it is a bit dated it still gets the job done and the FJR will have to go a ways to duplicate the longevity record of the connie. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't go back but if you can't do the FJR at this point then the connie will get you going. It is not a sport bike by any means but with a little suspension work it will keep you smiling and without to much work you can realize some horsepower gains. Its is top heavy and makes some heat on the legs but will carry you and a pillion without complaining.

 

[Niehart]

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...=111132&hl=

This will fix your problem.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

...2002 Concours ZG 1000 sport touring that might fit my budget. ...want something that is good "two up". Any one have experience with this bike, and any useful thoughts around mechanical/design safety, reliability, comfort and fun factor etc. Appreciate comments.

The Kawi Concours (GTR 1000 in other markets) is a very good motorcycle, IMO. They're a good 2-up m/c, plenty of room for the passenger, luggage, and air-adjustable rear suspension (for the added weight). I had two: Persimmon Red early model (122K miles) and a darker red later model. I think the bike's strongest feature is its "Heart-of-a-Ninja" engine (some parts are actually interchangeabe). There's nothing I can think of that's un-safe. They're decently comfortable (altho, rather big & heavy -- especially, with a full tank) and can be fun (if you have the skill set for it?).

They're rather dated now -- an almost 25 year-old design -- but, they can still be a good standard-ish sport-touring style motorcycle. If you're looking for sport? -- the bike can do it; you may need to be a fairly decent country rider to make it happen, tho.....

 

[playitforward]

Thanks all. I think an 03 FJR (or an st 1000 or 1300) would be great. Is the "heat" issue real on the pre 06 FJR's? If so, are there any mods that can be made to minimize it?

 

[vectervp1]

Thanks all. I think an 03 FJR (or an st 1000 or 1300) would be great. Is the "heat" issue real on the pre 06 FJR's? If so, are there any mods that can be made to minimize it?

The heat issue depends greatly on each motorcycle and each riders threshold for heat. For example, SkooterG here (out of town at the moment) has two 04 FJR's. One of them he says has no heat issues whatsoever. The other FJR on the other hand he claims is a hot bike. Same rider, same gear, same environment but one seems hotter than the other.

There are several different things you can to do help reduce the heat the rider feels. You can place some insulating material between the engine and the tank (various ways documented around here), or you can create a few brackets to direct heat around the fairing better.